Identifying a scholarship for African-American students is easier than you think it is. Indeed, underrepresented minority students will always have to look harder for inclusive opportunities. Nonetheless, ScholarPrep Nation prevents graduating high school seniors and their families from the dreaded student loan debt.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) generate an impressive number of bachelor’s degrees each year and are definitely worth talking about with high school counselors. Besides, they are much more affordable when compared to other colleges and universities.
Let’s see how easy it can be to find a scholarship for African-American students!
Identifying Scholarships for Black Students via High School Counseling
High school counselors must utilize a proactive approach in terms of financial aid and scholarship awareness. African-American students need to become fully familiar with what we call the race gap in higher education. According to The Hechinger Report, white students are 250% more likely to graduate compared to their Black peers.
Inequities are a given, and African-American scholarships can surely balance the scales. In this case, financial support is a must-have. Unfortunately, too few Black students are aware of the scholarship opportunities that are presented to them. In fact, the very concept of college education needs to be demystified.
High school seniors of color can feel overwhelmed by the entire scholarship application process. Quite often, they are aspiring first-generation college students in search of the ideal scholarship program. Keep in mind that they do not have siblings to turn to for college application guidance.
Securing the Ideal Scholarships for Black Students
In order for our youth to attend college and access an advantageous scholarship program, high school counselors will have to step up and leverage the tools and resources necessary for college success.
Here are our top four scholarship resources for African-American students:
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- Fastweb
1. United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
UNCF boasts a star-studded history and alumni list. Since its founding in 1944, they’ve helped over 500,000 students secure a college degree. The largest private scholarship provider in the country, UNCF scholarships have also helped Black students get into some of the most prestigious HBCUs.
2. Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
African-American students pursuing college scholarships should definitely take note of TMCF. Not only do they provide scholarships for minority students, but they also offer internships and career resources. They awarded more than $500 million in scholarships and career readiness programming.
3. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Need-based and merit scholarships require eligible applicants. NAACP awards Black students with a variety of scholarships. From the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship to Lancôme’s Write Her Future Scholarship for African-American women, NAACP offers a great selection of renewable and non-renewable scholarships for African-American students.
4. Fastweb
Described as a free scholarship search platform, Fastweb offers financial aid support and matching scholarship programs. Thanks to their algorithm, they support Black students by identifying and securing scholarships that will open the doors to higher education.
As a scholarship database, Fastweb is perhaps the best free resource out there. They also leverage information that can help first-gen and low-income Black college students either limit or eliminate tuition costs.
ScholarPrep Nation: Demystifying the College & Scholarship Application Processes
Think about it, the college application process takes quite a lot of time to get used to. High school counseling is known for pointing out the importance of planning ahead. As early as eighth grade, kids must learn how to get organized and intentional about their academic journey.
The very same thing can be said about the scholarship application process. Getting a bachelor’s degree without being in debt requires massive research. The demystification of both these processes could end educational inequity once and for all.
Black students have struggled to bridge the achievement gap for far too long. They need culturally affirming and empowering initiatives that can help them secure full scholarships. ScholarPrep Nation is a unique college access program that aims to guide students to the best post-high school opportunities.
Collegiate success is not immediate. However, it is not impossible. Our Afrocentric program nurtures students of color all the way to college and beyond. How? Through an online, nationwide network that brings kids and experts together! Our personalized scholarship search is guaranteed to assist young scholars on their way to higher education.
Receive Expert Scholarship Help with ScholarPrep Nation!
Our country needs more Black bachelor’s degree recipients. We need to encourage students to always follow their dreams, regardless of the so-called obstacles that they might stumble upon along the way. For that, the scholarship and college application processes need to be explored and discussed at length.
ScholarPrep Nation is the Afrocentric college access program you’ve been looking for! Contact us now, we’d love to get to know you and guide you in the direction of collegiate success!
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